The Ministry Formation Program is expanding to include a program for Spanish-speaking participants. As needs in the Catholic Church and in the Davenport Diocese change, so does the formation program designed to form leaders for ministry in the church. Since 1997, additional programs have been added to the Basic two-year process. Programs now include a specialized training for catechetical leaders, for liturgical leaders, for pastoral associates, for finance administrators and for parish life administrators. Year I in the Basic MFP is also a prerequisite for the diaconate.
For the first time, the diocese will offer the basic two-year MFP in Spanish. The classes will meet on Sunday afternoons (3-6 p.m.) once a month at St. Joseph’s Church basement in West Liberty beginning in January. West Liberty will be the location for 2010-2011.
The next two-year program will be held in another location in the diocese in 2012-2013. The diocese hopes to offer the program each year and move the location every two years to another area in the diocese. Classes will be held on Jan. 10, Feb. 21, March 21, April 11, May 2, June 13, July 11, Aug. 8, Sept. 12.
The diocese is grateful for the help of several priests, religious women and lay ecclesial ministers who will teach the courses in Spanish. The on-site facilitator is Matt McAndrew, who recently completed five years in ministry formation.
Brochures and applications are available by contacting IlaMae Hanisch at hanisch@davenportdiocese.org or Matt McAndrew at 906 12th Ave. Coralville, IA 52241-1735 or by calling Karina Garnica at (563) 324-1912, ext 232.